Bill Franklin Hayes

Bill Franklin Hayes, 73, passed away at the Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Worland, Wyoming, on August 22, 2026.

He was born on September 17, 1952, in Jenkins, Kentucky, to Bill Franklin Sr. and Cleo (Hibbitts) Hayes. Bill grew up in the hollers of rural Kentucky. As a young man, Bill decided to try out his entrepreneurial skills as a kite salesman. He fondly nicknamed himself “Curly the Kite Man.” He bought a van, grew out his afro, and lived his best hippie life, driving up and down the beach looking for people who did not have a kite in their hands and would make them one on the spot. It was here that he learned the basics of business, which later helped him successfully own his own chiropractic practices for 37 years.

Moving on from his beach days, Bill went back to college, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees with honors from Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. While at Logan he was active in the Delta Sigma Chi fraternity and the volleyball team. After practicing in Waupaca, Wisconsin and Rapid City, South Dakota, he fell in love with Wyoming after a family vacation to visit the hot springs in Thermopolis. In 2001, he opened Thermopolis Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Bill was blessed with two children, Sarah and Jackson. He took his role as a father seriously, always supporting their endeavors and passions. He actively encouraged them to see what the world had to offer. He was never judgmental and supported them in whatever path they took. That pride continued with his grandchildren, Ivy and Declan. You could find Bill picking them up from school, taking them for an ice cream treat, or cheering them on during sports and school plays. He loved his family with all his heart.

His patients were also like family to him. He lived to work, and after retirement, there was a void in his life because he wasn’t able to help people in the same way. He made house calls, worked after hours, and did whatever was needed to help bring relief to the people he loved. He would jokingly tell patients, “Make sure to take your knives and guns out of your pockets,” as they laid down on his table. He had a sense of humor that made everyone feel at ease.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed hunting and spending time with his special bird dog, Krikett. He was involved in many outdoor organizations. His core foundation was helping others, whether that was his children, his grandchildren, or his patients. His heart will continue on through his family as they carry on his legacy.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Timothy Hayes.

He is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Steven) Radabaugh of Worland, Wyoming; son, Jackson Hayes of Anchorage, Alaska; sister, Sandra Swartz of Columbus, Ohio; and grandchildren, Ivy and Declan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Hot Springs State Park Smoking Waters Shelter (By the Buffalo Pastures), with Celebrant Kendra Ware officiating. For those that were patients of Dr. Bill and familiar with his causal western attire, do not feel the need to dress up as he would want everyone to be comfortable and causal.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hot Springs County Library or Wyoming Public Radio. Please send checks to PO Box 524, Worland Wyoming 82401.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.